News

By Ava Bowman Thomas

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Nicole Vasilaros speak at Center Forward’s Problem Solvers Caucus Panel on Thursday, April 10, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

While much of Capitol Hill remains mired in a partisan reconciliation battle, Center Forward hosted a panel discussion with Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Representative Tom Suozzi (D-NY) to highlight opportunities for bipartisan governance that delivers common-sense solutions for the American people.The event underscored the importance of cross-party collaboration in order to reduce legislative gridlock. Representative Fitzpatrick and Representative Suozzi emphasized that building trust and mutual respect between Republicans and Democrats is the first step to improving governance. They spoke about the value of spending time together outside of the House floor and committee hearings to foster genuine relationships and reduce the tendency to demonize one another.

The Problem Solvers Caucus recently launched seven working groups focused on key issues such as fiscal policy, immigration, and the environment. During the panel, Representative Fitzpatrick, who has Co-Chaired the caucus since 2017, discussed how these groups can help identify shared priorities and advance pragmatic, common-sense legislation. Ultimately, the Co-Chairs hope the working groups will produce policy proposals that can enjoy broad support in the House.

“Most Americans are sick and tired of the petty, partisan politics. They want their elected officials to work together to actually deliver solutions,” said Rep. Suozzi. “That’s why the Problem Solvers Caucus and Center Forward are so important; they’re building bipartisan relationships to break the gridlock.”

With the 2025 tax package being top of mind in Washington and across the country, the conversation also touched briefly on fiscal policy. Both Representatives, who serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, expressed optimism that a balanced, bipartisan approach to tax policy is achievable outside the confines of the reconciliation process. 

As the discussion concluded, the Co-Chairs honed in on the dangers of escalating hyperpartisanship, warning that it undermines Congress’s ability to produce results that matter to everyday Americans. Representative Suozzi stressed the critical role of the Problem Solvers Caucus, Center Forward, and other centrist, pragmatic groups in helping Congress overcome gridlock and fulfill its potential.